For the last four years, Linton has celebrated Halloween by placing carved and illuminated pumpkins around the centre of the village.

This year, the pumpkins lit up Linton on the evenings of Monday, October 29th, Tuesday, October 30th, and Wednesday, October 31st.

In 2017, the number of pumpkins was 34 but this year the number has grown to more than 70. The carved pumpkins are each sponsored by individuals and families who are associated with, but not always living in, the village.

Each pumpkin has a dedication to someone or something important in the sponsors’ life. It may be sons or daughters, parents or other close relatives and friends. Sometimes they are dedicated to a loved one who is deceased. As expected, family pets are well represented. This year, there is a sponsor from across the globe in Australia.

The display of pumpkins is proving so popular that people are driving to the village to see and take photos of the various and elaborate carvings on show, many around the back drop of St Mary’s Church and near The Alma Inn.

The event is organised by the Village of Linton Trust (VoLT), a charitable trust established to maintain and improve the key infra-structure in the village.

VoLT run a number of events throughout the year to raise funds to support its purpose. These events not only help preserve the village but have the important benefit of bringing together those who live in the village but due to other commitments may not have the time to stop and talk to others in the community.

John Arrowsmith, who helps to organise the pumpkin evenings and is part of VoLT, told the Ross Gazette: “ I’d like to thank those who do all the hard work buying, carving, and distributing the pumpkins, and those with the community spirit to sponsor them. It is a small but important part of supporting community cohesion in rural villages.”

Carole Smallwood, who is the Events Organiser for VoLT, told the Ross Gazette: “Thank you to all of the people from around the entire village and beyond for their support and their enthusiasm to keep the event growing year on year.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.